The Ring (2002)

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 HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2022


Director: Gore Verbinski

Writers: Ehren Kruger, from the novel by Koji Suzuki

Stars: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, Jane Alexander, Lindsay Frost, Amber Tamblyn, Racheal Bella



A Seattle reporter (Naomi Watts) tracks down the truth behind a cursed videotape that kills those who view it within seven days.

 


The strength of this film is its creepy atmosphere, which is quite skillfully achieved.

 


However, it just seems to drag on after a while and does not improve on the Japanese original. 



Having seen both versions, I was struck by the way that needlessly expensive special effects, however well done, can have the effect of distancing the viewer from the potential horror of the image. 



Although the Japanese version was clearly made on a much smaller budget, each of the creepy set pieces packs more impact than this over-produced American remake.










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